So how reiable are these Mercs?

[timwatsham]

Just looking at a C class CDi estate (on a V plate) which has 175,000 miles on the clock. It has been serviced by a Mercedes dealer regularly up to 158,000 miles, and then has had a couple of independent services.

Would I be buying myself a great deal of bills? I'm probably going to put another 20,000 miles on it over the next 18 months and then sell it before the 200k mark...

What questions should I be asking?

[Egbert Nobacon]

timwatsham said:

What questions should I be asking?

Who would you sell a 200k mileage Merc to, when you've finished with it, would be my first question..

Any car at this mileage has a limited market unless its very cheap - just the fear of major component failure will put many people off, even if the vehicle has loads of life left in it.

[timwatsham]

I'm thinking the same thing... But if it's cheap enough, it could be a comfortable hack for the motorway and down to our place in France. Its an estate and diesel, so would appeal to more people I hope. But yes, who to sell it to does raise questions! Was hoping to get a raft of "but these Mercs just keep soldering on and I sold mine easily with 250k on the clock replies!"

Anyone with that experience?!

[niva441]

I had a C class with the previous generation 250TD engine. Similar service history to the vehicle you mention.

It was running perfectly when I sold it at 217k miles. Never needed any major work and the best car I've ever owned.

[silverback mike]

Egbert Nobacon said:

timwatsham said: What questions should I be asking? Who would you sell a 200k mileage Merc to, when you've finished with it, would be my first question..

Me

[silverback mike]

After all, I had an alfa romeo with 279,000 miles. It's still going as well...

[silverback mike]

timwatsham said:

Just looking at a C class CDi estate (on a V plate) which has 175,000 miles on the clock. It has been serviced by a Mercedes dealer regularly up to 158,000 miles, and then has had a couple of independent services. Would I be buying myself a great deal of bills? I'm probably going to put another 20,000 miles on it over the next 18 months and then sell it before the 200k mark... What questions should I be asking?

Back to original question - as egbert has stated, it is a limited market, however they can be great bargains....
Above all you need to try it. Mercs can do these miles, and if serviced correctly can feel incredibly tight after this amount of miles. Check the diff doesnt whine, check the steering has no bangs or knocks.
The gearbox will be feeling it's age, so check there is minimal driveline shunt and that it shifts up and down correctly. The expensive bits are the engine and box, if they work ok then you shouldn't have a problem.

Obviously check engine for nasty smoke, knocks, rattles etc.

what sort of price are they asking. ...

[timwatsham]

Thanks for the replies...

The car was on e-bay, sounded really good, but in the end I was beaten... I wanted to pay up to £2,500, but in the end it went for £3k. In retrospect, that sounds like a bit of a bargain, but it was above my budget due to a recent house move...

I'll keep hunting!